Opinion

This is the final in a series of ten summertime articles that stubbornly insist that 80% of parents and 80% of educators actually agree on 80% of all issues (my 80/80/80 rule). Unfortunately, schools have become ground-zero for the culture wars, and national leaders from both sides seem to be strategically pitting parents against educators. Please remember that these talking heads know nothing about your local community, and in Oklahoma, your local public school is the community. Visit any local school basket

My father, James W. Gardner, was born in Indian Territory, February 4, 1849. He was married to Emily Lawson, who came from Mississippi with Smith Paul and worked for Uncle Zack Gardner in Pauls Valley until she and Father were married in 1870. There were six children in our family. I was born one-half mile south of Wynnewood, January 23, 1877.

In recent weeks, we have seen courageous Cubans flood the streets across their country. The Cuban people desperately desire to protest the tyranny and incompetence of the communist dictatorship that has ruled their country with an iron hand for 62 years. Their brave protests are demanding the very things most Americans take for granted – free elections, free speech and economic opportunity.